JK2004 > Programme > Welcome

Welcome to JK2004

An introduction to the Jan Kjellström International Festival of Orienteering 2004 from Bob Roach, the Chairman of the British Orienteering Federation.

Having been involved with the NWOA machine when Graythwaite was used for the World Cup in 98 & BOC in 99, I am very much looking forward to going back there. I am sure you will be if you know the area. On behalf of all BOF members I want to express thanks in advance to the NWOA and EMOA (a very welcome combination of resources) for staging the JK in 2004 for us. Such is the nature of these big events, a great deal of work will already have been done by a small group of people and the numbers involved will be expanding all the time as Easter draws near. Many thanks to you all.

I recall being quite overawed on first getting involved in orienteering committee business. When I joined the NWOA committee as newsletter editor in 1991 (my motivation was to learn how to word process and look where that got me!!) the main topic was a bid to bring the World Championships to the region!! A key part of the plan was the option to map an area never before used for orienteering but its whereabouts was so shrouded in secrecy that it was known only to the bid team of three people. Months later, with the bid still live and the secrecy about the area continuing, someone from a local university came to an NWOA meeting to ask for support in staging the British Universities Champs. They were very pleased because they had found a stunning area with willing owners!! 'Where is it?' we all demanded in eager anticipation. When the answer was 'Graythwaite', panic set in amongst the bid team - the secret was out. In due course, local clubs sorted out a location for the university event that didn't threaten the hopes, the World Champs went to Scotland in 1999 and Graythwaite was a World Cup venue in 1998.

In addition to top quality orienteering terrain, the South Lakes is such a superb area with many attractions and opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. My après orienteering favourites are the sail along Windermere, Tarn Hows, the sculptures dotted around Grizedale Forest (great area for biking) and the view from the top of Gummer's How. I am very much looking forward to the JK. I hope to see you at the BOF AGM - please remember that BOF is a members' organisation and I urge you to use the opportunity to participate and be informed.

Bob Roach

. . . and from John Woodall, former BOF Chairman and current Chairman of the East

Midlands Orienteering Association.

Welcome to Day 2 of JK 2004 organised by the East Midlands Orienteering Association. We intend to bring our usual efficiency and panache to the day, but not the East Midlands brambles and stump banks.

We are grateful to the North West Orienteering Association for the use of their wonderful terrain; so different from our own. Our intention is to provide you with an excellent day of orienteering when we do the work and you do the running.

Have fun, see you in the woods.

John Woodall

. . . and from Stephen Richards, Chairman of the North West Orienteering Association.

On behalf of the North Western Orienteering Association, I would like to welcome you all to JK 2004.

The Event Co-ordinator, Sue Denmark, together with the Organisers and Planners, have put in place a superb series of events. The Graythwaite Estate is recognised as one of England's finest Orienteering areas.

I would like to thank the main officials, team leaders and all the willing Club members from both NWOA and EMOA, who have volunteered to make what I hope will be an enjoyable and successful weekend.

Stephen Richards